Bottom Line
Built for alpine pursuits, the Patagonia Terravia Alpine pants are lightweight and extremely mobile – perfect for clambering up rocky summits or moving fast and light on the trails. Worn over the course of multiple years by gear analyst Miles Knotek on everything from desert rock climbs to lofty Alaskan summits, the Terravia Alpine pants have proven themselves to be one of our top hiking pants for men.
On the first wear, it’s immediately evident how comfortable the Terravias are. Their spandex blend material is soft on the skin. For high-stepping movements while climbing, the material stretches with every move, making it perfect for activities with varied movement across tricky terrain. The refined yet functional features enhance the pants’ functionality, lending themselves to being useful across a variety of activities. We’ve worn these for rock climbing, hiking, and even springtime backcountry skiing adventures.
We found these pants slim-fitting as advertised- a better fit for slender legs. If you need to dial in the fit, an integrated belt helps keep these pants securely in place. Plus, cuff cinches help keep them out of the mud or take in extra material. Although the Terravia pants won’t keep you dry in a rainstorm, they dry extremely quickly. For moving fast and light in varied terrain, the Patagonia Terravia Alpine is an excellent choice.
How We Tested
We’ve worn the Patagonia Terravia for multiple years in a variety of environments and testing conditions – from scrambling up desert rock climbs to lofty Alaskan peaks and even in spring backcountry skiing missions. We tested these pants extensively in the Alaskan backcountry and across rugged environments in the Mountain West for the most comprehensive and in-depth review possible. These pants are a long-time favorite of Alaskan Gear Analyst Miles Knotek.
Quick Specs
Men’s Patagonia Terravia Alpine Pants
Best Pants for Mobility
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $149
Weight: 12 oz.
Fit: Slim
Fabric: 86% recycled polyester, 14% recycled spandex
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Highly stretchy
- Low profile integrated belt
Cons
- Too slim for some body types
- Expensive
Comfort & Mobility
The Patagonia Terravia is built with some of the most comfortable-feeling material of any pants we tested. This softshell pant features a blend of 86% recycled polyester and 16% recycled spandex, which feels soft against the skin and offers some of the best mobility and flexibility of any pair of pants tested. These are frequently our pants of choice for any activity that will involve climbing, scrambling, or high steps. We never felt restricted or encumbered while rock climbing or hiking in them.
The Terravia is designed with a slim fit, making it more comfortable for slender legs. Those with a more sturdy frame may find this fit not for them. An integrated belt helps to dial in the fit and keeps the pants firmly in place, even under a backpack hip belt.
Breathability
We love the Patagonia Terravia Alpine for uptempo activities or anytime we break a sweat, thanks to its high breathability and superior moisture-wicking. Though the pants do not come with any vents, the material wicks moisture away and releases excess heat to a high degree. Perfect for exercising in alpine temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, the Terravia is a highly breathable option for your next high-exertion activity in the mountains.
Weather Resistance
The Patagonia Terravia is coated with a PFAS-free durable water repellent finish, but we found that it is quickly overwhelmed. These pants do not repel heavy rain, and we became wet quickly. However, they do dry extremely quickly. They’re good enough for passing through light dew-covered grass or the occasional sprinkle.
Durability
For thin and lightweight pants, the Patagonia Terravia surprised us with its excellent durability. We’ve scraped our pair across rocks, crashed through brush, and even had sharp ski edges contact them, and we have yet to see a scrape or tear. After testing these pants on a remote Alaskan packraft trip involving some heavy bushwhacking, we were pleased to see them come out the other side still looking new with no evidence of wear.
You might not want to use these for cutting firewood or trail work, but the Terravia has excellent durability for most outdoor activities, such as scraping up rock climbs or heavy bushwhacking. We’ve used these pants for years and plan on using them for many more to come.
Features
With refined features, the Terravia maintains a sleek profile while still having excellent functionality. Two zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh, and one zippered seat pocket are great for stowing essentials without being overly bulky. However, the thigh pocket is slightly too small for a smartphone.
The biggest standout feature of these pants is their integrated belt. This is a favorite of ours for its low profile and comfort even under a backpack hip belt. The cuffs have cinches as well that help keep them out of the mud or from snagging in brush. We used them to help keep the pants in place when rolled up for creek crossings as well. Even though these pants aren’t bursting with features, the few features the Terravias do have are simple yet functional, increasing their versatility.
Should You Buy the Patagonia Terravia Alpine Pants?
The Patagonia Terravia Alpine is a great choice for anyone who prioritizes mobility in a lightweight pair of pants. Its spandex blend material makes it extremely stretchy, perfect for high-stepping moves on rock climbs or clambering through boulder fields while backpacking. For a lightweight pair of pants, it offers excellent durability, capable of withstanding frequent contact with rocks and the ground. What it lacks in weather resistance, it makes up for by drying extremely quickly. Based on our experience, the Terravia is perfect for those wanting a fast and light pair of pants for moving quickly down the trail.
What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?
Check out our full lineup of men’s hiking pants for all our favorite choices.
Mammut Runbold IV Review: With a similar fit and materials, the Mammut Runbold IV is another pair of pants built for moving quickly in alpine environments.
Arc’teryx Gamma Review: With a slightly heavier construction, the Gammas offer similar durability but a slightly more robust build for colder temperatures or for coming in frequent contact with rocks or the ground.
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Review: If you’re looking for a more robust pair of pants with some of the best durability and weather resistance in our lineup, check out the burly Vidda Pro.
